Pompano Park Wraps Its Season

Pompano Park wrapped up its 126-night 2017-2018 season on Wednesday evening (May 30) with a competitive 11-race program which was highlighted by Boli taking the featured trot, Roll With Faith annexing the pacing feature for mares, Wally Hennessey hitting yet another grand slam, and a mandatory payout on the track’s popular Super Hi-5 wager.

Boli had things his own way in the Open Trot as Wally Hennessey guided the six-year-old gelded son of Kadabra to a handy one and three-quarter-length win in 1:56.4 over Thundercrest (who was driven by Dave Ingraham). Cashahallic finished third for John Moody after a serious bid around the final bend and Reilee Workable completed the order of finish.

Hennessey also won with Modern Mercury ($3.00) in 1:57.1, Pink Gardinias ($2.80) in 1:55.3 and Beijing Hanover ($4.60) in 1:57.

Roll With Faith, the consistent four year-old daughter of Roll With Joe, made a backside blast from third into the lead around the final turn and went on to win by two and three-quarter lengths in 1:53 for Dave Ingraham. Northern Dali was second for Wally Hennessey, while Goldstar Rockette finished third for Bryce Fenn. Islay N finished fourth after cutting stiff opening panels of :26.3 and :56 before yielding past the third station in 1:24.1. Worldly Doll completed the order of finish.

The Super Hi-5 finale featured a $40,000 guaranteed poll and, with that pool ballooning well over the $60,000, the 1-6-4-5-7 combo paid $139.60 for the 20 cent ticket.

On the statistical side of the ledger, Wally Hennessey took the driving title in terms of wins with 231. Dave Ingraham, with a driving double on the card, finished second with 110 trips to the winner’s circle, while John MacDonald (95 wins), Andy Santeramo (76) and Rick Plano (50) rounded out the top five, followed by Mike Simons (47), Mickey McNichol (46), Jim Meittinis (46), Bryce Fenn (44) and Ricky Macomber Jr. (38)

In terms of winning percentage for drivers with a minimum of 126 starts, Hennessey was at the top of the list with a winning percentage of 26.5 per cent while George Napolitano, Jr. was second T 21.9 per cent. Andy Santeramo was next at 21.6 per cent, while John MacDonald was next at 19 per cent. Rounding out the top five was Dave Ingraham at 17.2 per cent.

On the training side, John MacDonald edged out Gaston Lareau in a photo finish, 56 to 55. Mike Deters was third with 47 wins, followed by Mickey McNichol (41) and Dustin Ingraham (40). Eric Beach (35), Rick Plano (33), Nick Surick (30), Andy Santeramo (29) and Jim McDonald (30) complete the top 10.

In terms of winning percentage, Andy Santeramo was the leader in that category, winning 29 of 76 starts—a winning percentage of a lofty 38.2. Dustin Ingraham was second at 25.5 per cent, followed by John MacDonald (23.4), Tony Dinges (22.9) and Mike Deters (22.1). Rounding out the top 10 in the category were Dan Hennessey (19), Joe Pavia, Jr. (19), Kim Sears (17), Jim McDonald (17), and Gaston Lareau (16.3).

The top five trainers in terms of purse earnings were Mike Deters ($440,610), Kim Sears ($337,286), John MacDonald ($326,275), Mickey McNichol ($286,566) and Gaston Lareau ($267,799).

Pari-mutuel racing will return to Pompano Park on October 21 with FSBOA non-wagering sponsored stakes events scheduled for October 6 and 13.